The two in-state class of 2023 players that we have been telling you about for several months were both recognized nationally on Wednesday.
The Daily Hoosier reported on Lafayette based point guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn and Indianapolis forward Jalen Hooks as class of 2023 “names to know” this spring.
Today, both players were named to the first 247Sports top-50 for the sophomore class.
GIBBS-LAWHORN IN THE TOP-10
Gibbs-Lawhorn followed an impressive freshman season at McCutcheon High School with some eye opening AAU performances this summer.
That all led to the 6-foot point guard being slotted in at No. 9 in the 247 rankings. Also the top rated player in the state, Gibbs-Lawhorn is a dynamic scoring primary ball handler. He has elite ball handling skills for his age, is a high level athlete, and can score at all three levels.
IU has been in contact with Gibbs-Lawhorn going back to his freshman high school season when he scored 21 points per game while adding 3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and .9 steals per contest.
“I like the IU basketball team, Gibbs-Lawhorn said a few weeks ago on The Daily Hoosier sponsored Hoosier Experience Podcast.
“I’m cool with most of those guys, especially Rob (Phinisee) because we went to the same high school. They had a decent team this year too.”
Gibbs-Lawhorn was the first player that Indiana offered in the class of 2023.
According to multiple reports, Gibbs-Lawhorn is expected to miss some or all of his sophomore season with an injury.
See more on Gibbs-Lawhorn:
Summer video interview | Summer highlights | Podcast interview
JALEN HOOKS AT No. 40
Also in the national top-40 is Crispus Attucks forward Jalen Hooks.
Hooks put together a strong freshman campaign for Franklin Central while playing in the challenging Hoosier Crossroads Conference.
He was the third-leading scorer and rebounder for the Flashes as a freshman, averaging 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest. He added 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steal per game, and Hooks shot 46 percent from the field for his 2019-20 season.
Although college coaches are not yet permitted to call sophomores directly, Hooks told The Daily Hoosier that he initiates a regular dialogue with IU.
“I’m talking to coach Archie. I try to call him every week,” Hooks said.
The connections to IU run deep. Most of Hooks’ family went to IU including his sister that recently graduated. He is good friends with IU players Trayce Jackson-Davis and Armaan Franklin, along with team manager Adam Howard.
See more on Hooks:
More background | Summer highlights | Podcast interview
MORE TOP-50 2023 PLAYERS THAT IU IS TALKING TO
Here are some of the other players in the 247 top-50 that The Daily Hoosier has learned of early Indiana involvement. Consider this an initial, non-comprehensive list.
5. Kwame Evans, Jr. (Baltimore, Md.)
15. Gus Yalden (Asheville, N.C.)
17. Kanaan Carlyle (Alpharetta, Georgia)
23. Rayvon Griffith (Cincinnati, Ohio)
34. Maki Johnson (Huntington, W.V.)
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